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Saturday, March 27, 2010
9:00 a.m.
Our first hike of springtime!
Key Mill Branch rock shelter, Feb. 27 hike
The three hike choices to sign up for are:
Lick Branch and Maddox Motel, Sipsey Wilderness
Leader: Janice Barrett
Distance: 6+ miles, round trip
Rating: Challenging, off-trail
Ages 12 and over
This loop hike will begin at Gum Pond Cemetery in the northern tip of the Sipsey Wilderness. Group number will be limited since this is a wilderness hike, so sign up soon! The descent to Mattox Creek will take us through beautiful Eastern hemlock and hardwood forest into limestone territory. We will hike downstream on Mattox, visit the unique rock cave known locally as Mattox Motel, then enter Lick Creek and hike upstream to the head of the canyon. In this deep canyon, there are at least 3 tall waterfalls and stunning rock formations. After a steep climb out of the canyon, there will be an optional hike (for those who just can't get enough and if the leader still feels like it) just over the ridge and across trail #223 to see another waterfall in the Braziel Creek headwaters. At this waterfall, the transition from limestone to sandstone is clearly evident - a little geological icing on the cake!
Be prepared for off-trail, rugged terrain. Footwear must be sturdy with good tread for reliable traction on slippery, wet, rocky ground and creek crossings. Bring a walking stick.
Indian Tomb Hollow
Leader: Susan Glasscock
Distance: Approx. 3 miles, in and out
Rating: Moderate
All ages
One of the many things that make Indian Tomb Hollow a wonderful place to hike is the abundance of spring wildflowers. The flowers are blooming later this year, but there should be a few things out by the end of the month. This is a very significant Native American and pioneer cultural site as well. The hike will begin at the gated Forest Service Road on Alexander Motorway in the northeastern section of the Bankhead National Forest. Hikers will proceed down this road, following Gillespie Creek, to see the Indian marker tree. After that, be prepared to get your feet wet crossing the tributary that the beavers have flooded. Some bushwacking will be required here, except for those willing to wade in knee-deep water. Next, a visit to historical Indian Tomb Hollow cemetery, where the Gillespies and Alexanders and some of their slaves are buried. As the trail leads closer to Gillespie Creek, the terrain changes to sandstone canyon with high bluffs. In a little distance, the trail runs out and the terrain becomes a little more rugged but is never overly challenging.
The Big Tree, Sipsey Wilderness
Leader: Kevin England, botanist
Distance: 5 or 8 miles, in and out or round trip
Rating: Moderately challenging
Ages 12 and over
This Sipsey Wilderness hike will begin on the west side of the wilderness at the Thompson Creek trailhead (#206). Kevin will lead the shortest route to the Big Tree, which is also the most rugged. It is undecided at this time whether the hike will be in and out the same way, or if the return trip will be out East Bee Branch to the Sipsey River and trail #209, making a loop back to the trailhead. The Big Tree is the famous champion Tuliptree, or Yellow poplar, that is estimated to be between 500 and 600 years old. It stands in East Bee Branch canyon in the heart of the wilderness.
Be prepared for an "unofficial" trail that is steep and precipitous in some places, creek crossings, scrambling over fallen trees and boulders.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR EITHER HIKE OR ASK QUESTIONS. You may also call 256-974-6166. Please include your phone number in your e-mail message when you sign up.
FOR ALL HIKES:
Bring backpack lunch, snacks, drinking water. A walking stick is highly recommended. The amazing scenery will make you wish you had brought your camera. A notebook and pen may come in handy, as well as a field guide to wildflowers.
Wear clothes comfortable for hiking and layered for warmth. If there is rain in the forecast, bring rain gear. Footwear must be strudy boots or shoes with lug soles for reliable traction on slippery rocks, mud and creek crossings (there are always creek crossings). Slick-soled shoes will hurt you. Wool socks can't be beat. An extra dry pair may be a good idea.
Meet (after signing up, and sign up you must!) at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company in Wren, Alabama (11312 AL Hwy. 33, Moulton, AL) no later than 9:00 a.m. Park on the south end of the building and come into the store. On the table in the center of the store, you will find sign-in sheets and the Wild South donation bucket. We will gather there at 9:00 for a brief chat before heading up the hill and into the woods.
Wild South hikes are free, but your donation will make you our hero! All Bankhead hiker donations go directly to support our projects in the Bankhead National Forest. |
Hikes
